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Local offer: childcare and short breaks

SEND Local Offer - childcare and shortbreaks

The Local Offer Banner, with images of a child playing in a highchair, a family looking at information together, and a child in a playground on a yellow bike.

All children benefit from opportunities to take part in activities outside the home. They can mix with other children, develop their social skills, and independently pursue their interests. This might include mainstream clubs and groups or specialist activities with children who have similar needs.

Families who are caring for a child with disabilities may benefit from having some time off from their caring responsibilities. These activities are sometimes known as 'short breaks'. All local authorities need to make sure they have a suitable range of short breaks in their area. They also need a Icon for pdf short breaks statement [371KB] .

The Short Break Carers Scheme is available to families who have a child with a learning and/or physical disability living at home. The service provides support to these families, offering them a break from caring, while their child enjoys spending time with a short break carer.

If you're over 18 years old or are looking for respite services for someone you care for that's over 18, please see West Berkshire's Adult Social Care services.

West Berkshire Council's short breaks statement

In the spring and summer of 2023, West Berkshire Council undertook, with its partners, a SEND review in order to identify the priorities over the next five years. This review was overseen by the SEND Strategic Partnership Board which included the Parent Carer Forum and a wide range of stakeholders, including short breaks providers. As a result of the SEND review, short breaks has been identified as being a key priority within the SEND Strategy.

You can view our Icon for pdf short breaks statement for 2024 here [371KB] .

Find services on the directory

View all relevant services or click the categories below to see specific services:

View all services
Breakfast / after school clubsChildmindersDay nurseries
Holiday clubsMaintained nursery schoolsNannies, au pairs and sitting services
Pre-schools2 year funded providersShort breaks

 

Information and guidance

On the pages below we've shared a range of information, advice and guidance.

Early years provision

Information about what we expect early years settings to provide for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

What is a pre-school / playgroup?

Information about what pre-school or playgroup is and links to find local services.

What is a day nursery?

Information about what a day nursery is and links to find local services.

What is a maintained nursery school?

Information about what a maintained nursery school is and links to find local services.

What is an out of school club?

Information about what an out of school club is and links to find local services.

What is a childminder?

Information about what a childminder is, what requirements there are and links to find local services.

What is a nanny?

Information about different types of nannies and what services they offer, as well as links to find local services.

Local Offer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our SEND Local Offer.

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